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Nematode proteins shed light on infertility

Researchers discovered a trio of protein segments guiding chromosomal interactions in nematodes, shedding light on the complex process. The study, published in PNAS, provides new insights into meiosis and infertility, with implications for human reproductive health.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 3, 2024

Do genes that code athletic heart enlargement carry a risk of future heart problems?

A new study found that one in six elite athletes have reduced heart function and an enrichment of genes associated with heart muscle disease. The research highlights the need for closer monitoring of these athletes' heart health, as their genetic makeup may be 'stressed' by exercise to cause profound heart changes.

SourceVictor Chang Cardiac Research Institute·JournalCirculation·TypeObservational study·DateDec 18, 2023

Map of disease-causing mutations in neurodevelopmental disorders and cancer revealed

Researchers have created the first extensive map showing which genetic changes can cause disease, leading to valuable insights into neurodevelopmental disorders and cancer. The study reveals that 90% of previously unexplained genetic changes' impact on health is significant, promising speedier diagnosis and new treatment avenues.

SourceWellcome Trust Sanger Institute·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 6, 2023

New study finds genetic testing can effectively identify patients with family history of high cholesterol to prevent heart attack, stroke, and death

A new study from Intermountain Health reveals that genetic screening can effectively identify individuals with familial hypercholesteremia (FH), a condition affecting about 1 in 250 people. By targeting these patients with treatment, researchers aim to prevent heart attacks, strokes, and death.

SourceIntermountain Healthcare·TypeObservational study·DateNov 12, 2023

New study finds genetic testing is effective in identifying patients with inherited risk of cardiomyopathy to improve quality of life and reduce deaths

A new study found that genetic screening can identify patients with an inherited risk of cardiomyopathy, allowing for closer monitoring and improved treatment. The study suggests that widespread genetic testing can lead to better outcomes for these patients, including reduced deaths.

SourceIntermountain Healthcare·TypeObservational study·DateNov 12, 2023

RCSI study shows survival benefit of augmentation therapy for people with the genetic lung condition AATD

A new study by RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences found that boosting levels of a deficient protein improves survival rates for people with severe alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency. The research, which tracked health data from over 600 patients, showed a clear survival benefit from augmentation therapy.

SourceRCSI·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateNov 1, 2023

Potential genetic screening for aggressive melanoma

Researchers from The University of Queensland and The Alfred hospital in Melbourne have identified gene variants associated with a higher risk of nodular melanoma. The study found that four genes with rare DNA variants were linked to the aggressive subtype, which accounts for most melanoma deaths.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalBritish Journal of Dermatology·TypeObservational study·DateOct 3, 2023

Self-reported “night owls” more likely to have unhealthy lifestyle behaviors, significantly increased diabetes risk

A large study found that people with an evening chronotype were more likely to engage in unhealthy lifestyle behaviors such as smoking, poor sleep, and physical inactivity. These individuals had a 72% higher risk of developing diabetes compared to those with a morning chronotype.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeNews article·DateSep 11, 2023

Once rhabdomyosarcoma, now muscle

Researchers at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory have made a significant breakthrough in transforming rhabdomyosarcoma cells into regularly functioning muscle cells using differentiation therapy. This innovative approach has the potential to spare patients and their families from pain and suffering by offering a new treatment option.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 28, 2023

Breast cancer study altered guidelines in Sweden

A Swedish study revealed that including all eleven associated genes in the screening test doubled the proportion of women with genetically confirmed hereditary breast cancer. The study included 4759 individuals and found that around 85% of women investigated for suspected hereditary breast cancer had a genetic abnormality.

SourceLund University·JournalBMC Cancer·DateAug 23, 2023

New breast cancer susceptibility genes

A large-scale international collaborative study has identified new genes associated with breast cancer, which could lead to better risk prediction and improved clinical management. The study found evidence for at least four new breast cancer risk genes, with many others showing suggestive evidence.

SourceUniversité Laval·JournalNature Genetics·DateAug 17, 2023

New study finds the prealbumin gene alone is insufficient for diagnosis of heart failure

A new multi-center study found that having a genetic variant in the prealbumin gene alone is not sufficient for diagnosing transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy in older Black patients. Researchers suggest that a blood test measuring prealbumin levels may be useful in identifying patients at risk of developing cardiac amyloidosis.

SourceBoston Medical Center·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·DateJul 28, 2023

Could a vitamin deficiency cause ‘double-jointedness’ and hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome?

Tulane University researchers discovered a possible genetic cause of hypermobility and hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, linking it to folate deficiency due to the MTHFR gene variation. Elevated folate levels in blood tests can aid in diagnosis, while methylated folate has shown promising treatment results for patients.

SourceTulane University·JournalHeliyon·TypeObservational study·DateApr 9, 2023

Communication may guide family members’ decisions after sudden cardiac death

A new study finds that clear and accurate information about the cause of death, provided in multiple formats, can influence family members' decisions to seek follow-up screening for inherited heart conditions. The study suggests that communication from death investigators and health care professionals is crucial in addressing families'...

SourceAmerican Heart Association·JournalCirculation Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes·DateApr 4, 2023

Artificial intelligence predicts genetics of cancerous brain tumors in under 90 seconds

Researchers developed an AI-based diagnostic screening system called DeepGlioma to analyze tumor specimens and detect genetic mutations rapidly. The system identified molecular subgroups with high accuracy and has the potential to improve access and speed of diagnosis for patients with deadly brain tumors.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalNature Medicine·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 23, 2023

Oncotarget | Extreme phenotype approach identifies rare ATR variants as potential male breast cancer susceptibility alleles

Researchers have identified three novel pathogenic variants of the ATR gene as predisposing to male breast cancer. These variants were found in a cohort of individuals with early onset and familial breast cancers, using a combination of exome sequencing and functional investigations. The study suggests that extended genetic analysis ca...

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalOncotarget·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 21, 2023

Genome editing procedures optimized

Researchers from Heidelberg University have developed a new 'VIP admission ticket' that enables efficient delivery of enzymes to the nucleus, enhancing the efficiency of CRISPR/Cas9 and related methods. This breakthrough opens up new areas for genetic screening and potentially therapeutic applications.

SourceHeidelberg University·JournalDevelopment·DateJan 24, 2023

THE LANCET CHILD & ADOL. HEALTH: Newborn screening for spinal muscular atrophy leads to more children being able to walk at two years post diagnosis, new study suggests

A new study published in The Lancet Child & Adolescent Health journal suggests that newborn screening for spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) can lead to better movement ability and independence in affected children. At two years post diagnosis, 11/14 children diagnosed by NBS were walking independently or with assistance.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet Child & Adolescent Health·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 17, 2023

Large-scale study led by Fred Hutch finds new genetic risk factors for colorectal cancer, paving the way for better screening, prevention

A comprehensive analysis of over 100,000 colorectal cancer cases identified 100 new genetic risk factors strongly linked with the disease. These findings could help clinicians determine who's at highest risk for early detection and potentially identify candidates for preventive treatments.

SourceFred Hutchinson Cancer Center·JournalNature Genetics·TypeMeta-analysis·DateDec 20, 2022